Updates from The Stress Experts

Why Your Thoughts Keep Looping (and How to Stop Them)

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:35:00 CDT

Many of my clients have looping thoughts.

Thoughts that are on repeat.

They aren’t pleasant to have.

The thoughts might be about them (“I’m such a loser”),

They might be about the past (“I shouldn’t have done that”),

or about the future (“What will they think of me?”).

Before coming to see me...

Do People Change?

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 21:05:00 CDT

I recently had a conversation with a man. He was frustrated as he explained to me the issues he was having in a relationship with another person.

“People don’t change,” was his conclusion.

This line stuck with me. It wasn’t the first time I had heard the phrase, but it was the first time I had paused to think about the truth of it.

Was he right?

Do people change?

I believe that people can change. They have the capability of changing, yes. They can adapt and grow.

Do they change? That’s a different question.

Stop Choosing Between "On" and "Off"

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 20:13:46 CDT

I recently had the pleasure of presenting to a group of CEOs of mid-sized companies in the area. We talked about stress and the nervous system, emotions and tools to regulate stress. One of the participants said, “I can’t be content because nothing would get done.” Another one said, “If I’m not constantly on, I’m bored."

Through our discussions, I realized that they, like many people from all walks of life, had come to mistakenly believe that they only have 2 options:

Why I Am No Longer Saying "Conquer Stress"

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:16:00 CDT

While preparing for the Wellness Expo I exhibited and spoke at in February 2026, I found more clarity in what I do, what I offer, and how I help people.

Because of this newfound clarity, I am making some subtle but significant changes in my business. One change that I want to share with you is the way I sign off on these blogs. I used to say, “Here’s to conquering stress.” And I’m not anymore. Here’s why...

Small Trigger, Big Reaction? Here's Why.

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 21:46:47 CDT

Do you ever notice yourself reacting to a small stressor as if it was a big deal?

For example, your boss walks by and you feel your chest tighten. You see an email from “that person” and your stomach drops. You set your boundaries by saying no, but you feel vomit-y.

In your brain, you know that you “shouldn’t” react that way - you’ve told yourself to stop, but you can’t. Your reaction may seem unreasonable, illogical, stupid, or childish but it keeps happening.

Why does it keep happening?

Why Doing Nothing Is the Hardest Thing To Do

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:36:00 CDT

I have been doing 20-30 minutes of yoga almost every morning for over a year now. (I think I have finally made it a habit. Wahoo! But the point is…) At the end of most sessions, we end in Savasana, or Corpse Pose, in which you lay on your back, flat on the floor and rest, being present to and releasing physical, mental, and emotional tension.

This seems easy enough. Lay there. Do nothing.

But it’s not always easy.

Doing “nothing” can be the hardest thing to do.

Good Days Aren't Luck

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 10:10:31 CDT

Have you ever had a good day? What made it good?

Have you ever had a bad day? What made it bad?

If, at the end of your day, a friend or a family member were to ask you, “How was your day?”, how do you know what to answer? What do you base your response on? How do you judge whether your day was good or bad?

If you are like most people, you evaluate your day based on whether or not things went the way you wanted them to. If things go according to plan, then the day is good. If things do not go according to plan, then the day is bad.

A “good day” gives most people a sense of inner peace. A “bad day” gives a lack of inner peace - an inner turmoil, tension, anxiety.

I heard a saying recently...

Why Self-Compassion Feels Hard

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:23:00 CDT

“Why is self-compassion so hard?Why is it easier to be compassionate towards others but compassion towards myself feels so unnatural.”

That’s because in some ways, it is unnatural…but self-compassion is very beneficial for you so it’s worth learning how to cultivate more of it.

Kristen Neff, a leading expert on self-compassion, explains why self-compassion is difficult. Here’s what she says...

When Christmas Hurts: Navigating the Holidays with Grief

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:26:50 CDT

I love Christmas. The decorations, the lights, the palpable energy shift as the year comes to a close.

I watch Christmas movies, but I’m not entirely sure if I actually like them…they can be so lame. However, I recently enjoyed an animated Christmas movie on Netflix called, “That Christmas”.

In the movie, there is a quote:

“Christmas is a bit like an emotional magnifying glass. If you feel loved and happy, Christmas will make you feel even happier and more loved. But if you feel alone and unloved, the magnifier gets to work and makes all those bad things bigger and worse.”

I know not everyone loves Christmas. For some, it can be a very challenging time of year.

I received an email from The Daily Wellness - a free email list that sends out science-based tools and tips for mental wellness - that addressed this very idea and provided tips for navigating the season. It was written by Cherish A. Smith. I am sharing it here...

Are You Really Listening? Most People Aren't.

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 13:18:33 CDT

Have you ever stopped and wondered why we communicate? Like, why bother? Especially when there is so much heartache, hurt, and pain caused by miscommunication, misinterpretation, and misunderstandings.

Is communication really worth the effort and the risk?

Yes! It is.

Communication is a process of relaying information. But, to humans, it is more than that.

Humans are social creatures. There are negative psychological effects when we are isolated and not able to communicate with others for prolonged periods of time. Social isolation is even used as a form of psychological torture and extreme coercion.

There are several memoirs...